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Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas combine tender shredded chicken, a blend of melted sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and savory enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas. This comforting and nutritious dish is ideal for family dinners and gatherings, offering an irresistible balance of bold flavors, gooey textures, and warm satisfaction.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Filling

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup enchilada sauce (red or green)

Enchiladas

  • 8 flour or corn tortillas (soft)
  • 2 cups cheese blend (1 cup sharp cheddar + 1 cup Monterey Jack), shredded
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (additional for topping)

Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Avocado slices
  • Sour cream
  • Diced green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Filling: Start by cooking and shredding your chicken. In a skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until softened. Add shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce; stir well to combine and infuse flavors.
  2. Assemble the Enchiladas: Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. Lay each tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture down the center. Sprinkle with a handful of the cheese blend, then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling.
  3. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place each rolled enchilada seam-side down in a greased baking dish, arranging them snugly to maintain their shape while baking.
  4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, coating each fully. Top everything with the rest of the shredded cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Allow them to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the cheese set and make slicing easier.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded chicken for better sauce absorption and tender texture.
  • Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracks and tearing.
  • Generously coat enchiladas with sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Let enchiladas rest 5-10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavors and textures.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken enchiladas, chicken enchiladas, Mexican comfort food, baked enchiladas, easy family dinner